Avoid the Winter Slide: Tips for Keeping your Child Learning During Winter Break
The winter break is a time for students to relax and recharge their batteries, but it's also important to keep them learning during this time. If your child falls behind in their studies over the winter break, they may have a hard time catching up when school starts again. As preschool teachers, we know very well that practice is key when it comes to early childhood development and education. That's why we've put together this list of tips for keeping your child learning during winter break.
What is the winter slide?
Winter slide is the phenomenon of students losing skill and knowledge during their school break. It can be caused by a number of factors, from lack of practice to boredom or disinterest in academic subjects. The effects of winter slide can range from minor to serious, depending on how much ground was lost and how long it takes for your child to get back up to speed on academics.
Make a Routine
Set up a regular learning schedule for your child and stick to it throughout the break. This doesn’t have to be overly rigid - you can work around any extra-curricular activities they might be involved in or other holiday events. The main idea is to have some kind of structure. This will help keep them focused and make the transition back to school much easier.
Utilize Online Resources
With so many educational websites available, there's no shortage of online resources available for your child to explore and learn from during their winter break. Encourage them to explore new topics that interest them!
Take Advantage of Local Opportunities
Depending on where you live, there may also be plenty of educational opportunities available in your local area as well. Ask your school or local library if they have any classes or workshops available during winter break, or look into nearby museums and other educational attractions.
Schedule At-Home Reading Time
Reading to your child is a great way to strengthen your child’s listening and communication skills. Set aside some designated reading time each day, even if it’s just for 15 or 20 minutes. As you read to your child, engage them in the stories by asking questions like, “what do you think will happen next?” or “why do you think that happened?”
Stay Engaged and Compliment Their Progress
Encourage your child by engaging in conversations about their studies during winter break. Ask them questions about what they’re learning and compliment them when you see improvements in their understanding of the material. Being involved in their education will help motivate them to keep going!
Talk to Your Child's Teacher
Finally, don’t forget to talk to your child's teacher about any additional learning activities you can do at home with your child over the break. They may have some suggestions on books they could read, projects they could work on, or even online courses they could take!
In conclusion, winter break can be a great time for students to relax and explore new interests, but it's also important to make sure they remain engaged in learning. Following the tips above can help you avoid the winter slide and keep your child learning during this period of rest. With a bit of planning and dedication, your child can stay on track academically over their winter break!
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Here’s a fun Snowman Number Tracing activity made by Peake Academy Preschool At Home .
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